Spanish Empire

"Pride, the First Peer, and President of Hell, To his share Spain, the largest province, fell. The subtile prince thought fittest to bestow On these the golden mines of Mexico, With all the silver mountains of Peru, Wealth which would in wise hands the world undo, Because he knew their genius was such, Too lazy and too haughty to be rich, So proud a people, so above their fate, That if reduced to beg, they’ll beg in state, Lavish of money, to be counted brave, And proudly starve, because they scorn to save. Never was nation in the world before So very rich, and yet so very poor."